Embarrassed to get fit?

StaceyJ2008

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. If people look at you just keep walking. Sometimes whether you know it or not people may find you inspirational or they may be proud of you.

BrawlerBella

Not sure if I'm the only one with this problem so I thought I'd ask.. Long story short, I am sort of embarrassed for people to see me attempting to get fit. I live in a small town of 2,000 people, so everybody knows everybody. And everybody knows everybody's business. And for some reason, when I am out in public for a walk or a jog, I pray and hope that nobody I know will see me. Why? I'm not exactly sure. Anybody with similar feelings?

LMAO we must live in the same town! Go out there do your thing run, walk! Who cares if anyone sees you? You are doing something for your health.

NatsukoG

I had the exact same problem ! I would never tell people I was trying to lose weight.
I think in my head, to actually vocalise my goals at the start of my weight loss, would have been admitting there was a problem, that there was something wrong me. It was also because I never really believed that I would accomplish any of my weight loss goals and to admit my intentions would bring scorn upon me.

I've realised since then, 99% of people will be positive, screw the other 1%, Go for a jog and wear the sweat proudly, suffer the small indignation now, then reap the rewards in the future.

It's like I wrote this myself. Even now it is physically obvious to people I've been dieting, I hate talking about it. Except on mfp of course

BeeElMarvin

Not sure if I'm the only one with this problem so I thought I'd ask.. Long story short, I am sort of embarrassed for people to see me attempting to get fit. I live in a small town of 2,000 people, so everybody knows everybody. And everybody knows everybody's business. And for some reason, when I am out in public for a walk or a jog, I pray and hope that nobody I know will see me. Why? I'm not exactly sure. Anybody with similar feelings?

No. I live in a small town too. I have a very visible job, so many people know me.
I use to walk all the time - now I walk a lot and run a lot. People will get use to seeing you. It helps to keep me on track - I don't want to fail in front of the entire town (or revert back to how I was - now THAT would be embarrassing).
Who knows, maybe it will inspire them.

Goddessmaker1

I can understand the mind set here but I'm actually embarrased of the opposite of not being fit. It's embarassing to take pictures and do things while being fat and unsigthly. For me that is motivation to keep trucking and moving. Eventually you will build enough steam to not care about anyone who isn't on the positive note.

Debbe2

Accept yourself where you're at now and be very proud that you want to improve on that! Many others in your community wish that they had the strength and will power to do what your doing so Walk Tall! :indifferent:

Debbe2

Accept yourself where you're at now and be very proud that you want to improve on that! Many others in your community wish that they had the strength and will power to do what your doing so Walk Tall! :flowerforyou:

sunnygirl19

I used to feel the same way. Then I thought by sitting at home, who wins? Now when I run/jog I always think of that Friend episode with Pheobe running and it makes me smile.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfaztVg4kaA

After a while I put my I Pod on and learned to ignore the world and just run. Its more of a feeling now and I enjoy it, Good luck

dicoveringwhoIam

I live in a small community approx 1200 people. I know exactly what you mean, add to the fact I have lived here forever. THe county I live in everybody seems to know everybody. I decided that I just give a rat's *kitten* anymore. THis is for me, not them. I'm not doing it to impress or to get compliments from them. I am doing this for me, to feel better, to control my MS without meds, to be the mom my kids need, and to look at myself and not want to vomit.
You have to decide if it's more painful to be unfit and unhealthy then it is to get out and move despite what other people in your community say or think.
Good luck!

galvodka

No way!!! I felt that way when I first started and would walk at night so no one would see me. The truth of it is.....getting exercise/being active is not easy for everyone and people will admire you for getting out there and doing something about it. Not only that but the most important opinion is your own. Please don't let what you think others think prevent you from being a happy healthier person.

1shauna1

I have had those feelings before. But really, you've got to ignore them and keep going! Now when I see someone exercising who is larger, I smile and think "good for them!". If you get rude remarks, just ignore them; you are doing something to improve yourself!

OptimisticlyOptimistic

I totally understand, and felt the same way last night. I took my first class at the Y. Of course I got there later than the "seasoned" class takers - because I was nervous and paced for a while (and debated turning around and going back home). Well, long story short - I took the class...ended up in the front row (in full view of EVERYONE) and I was the largest one in the class (of the women AND men). There were some of the things I was not able to really successfully do (dips - and lunges TOTALLY sucked) but I DID it. And I was so incredibly surprised at how many people told me I did great - and asked if I'd come back. They were so kind and so welcoming. I grew up in a small town of less than 1000 people. The town I'm in now isn't a whole lot bigger. There is a whole world of country back roads for you to walk/run on. And if someone sees you - big whoop. You may become their inspiration!

)

Best of luck!

Jen

jlapey

I felt like that for a long time. I only just recently decided to do the 30-day shred. I never wanted to work out at home where my partner could watch. But I decided to swallow my pride and do it anyway, now she is doing it WITH me. I also have a gym membership at a co-ed gym. Before, I would only go to an all female gym. After a while, you just stop caring so much about what others think. I rather them see me trying to get fit, than see me sitting on my fat *kitten* and thinking I'm lazy.

pohlcm08

I know what you mean, I lived in a very small town too and always prayed I wouldn't see anyone I knew and like you, I didn't know why I was embarrassed but I was. I moved to a larger city for a while during college and joined the YMCA and came to love working out so much that when I moved back it didn't bother me anymore. Now I just hope to be inspiration for all the people that do see me. Get on out there and be proud of yourself for doing something that most people in small towns don't do! Plus the endorphins you get afterward are totally worth it

cherbapp

I can totally relate! And then I read this....someone posted it on MFP a while back...and I cried...lol. But seriously I have learned how people truly think. And I am no longer the fat girl!

http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

n2thenight24

Small towns? You guys don't KNOW small towns. My town, which is technically a village, has 192 people in it. So there is NO chance that someone I know won't see me. But my problem is a little different. If I DON'T run. EVERYONE knows. And people literally ask me about it. Why didn't you go for your run today Grace? Go F*** yourself random neighbor person. It's cold outside. So yeah, I get why it can be embarrassing, but for different reasons

jesslinn85

You could always say you're "picking up cans."

6packb450

You have to do this for yourself and no one else. I get embarrassed in the weight room and can do great on the cardio machines. I have become so imbalanced and have to develop my upper body. Am I afraid of the teen girls showing me up? No... I am not looking at what they are doing, and they shouldn't be looking at what YOU are doing. Plus, keep at it, and in 2 short weeks, you will see big changes.

I have to learn to practice what I preach.

tedrickp

Im also from a small town. And I can safely assume I am more overweight than the original poster.

I think this is a big issue for a lot of people. I feel the same. I think one issue I have, is people want to stop and chit chat with you when you see them. They think it is rude if you are in a hurry. I am at the point now I don't care about people seeing me on my walks. However, if it is bothering you that much and you can't shake the thought - walk late at night or early in morning.

Is there a gym in your small town?

The gym was SUPER scary to me, but one day I got the courage and walked in. The giant beast of a man who ran the gym (huge fit dude, Muay Thai expert etc...) instantly had my guard up but he ended up being a huge help, and we are friends to this day.

I really believe there is no way your first gym experience could be worse than mine. The jacked dude I mentioned from before was walking me through a sample program - and I was struggling on seated military press...the machine kind (so even easier) and I could barely finish my third set...with NO weight. I was mortified...

BUT

No one noticed. The trainer did but he was only encouraging.

I kept up with the weight training and made lots of solid friends in the gym. People there were motivating, they were helpful and I never had any issues with people talking **** (at least in earshot).

If you do go the gym route - just make sure you learn some of the "unspoken etiquette". Because, as I learned, even being the giant fat guy at the gym is better than being the fit guy doing curls in the squat rack

jbriscoe9480

I relate ... I am paying a fortune for gym membership and besides having a hard time finding the time to get to gym, I don't like the thought of people seeing me on the treadmill or bicycle. But, I think its important to remember that we're trying to do this for 'us' and not 'them' and at the end of the day - why are we giving 'them' so much headroom :-)

Lets make a deal - you go for the walk today and I'll to gym and we'll put it down to simply knowing that we are worth it... and as Coffeholic8 we may just inspire someone else to get off the sofa.

Well said!!! I agree with what you are saying!!!

jr1985

First off! great job on your decision to get fit anyways!!!

Second... I figure, what better place for an overweight person to be at then the gym... or outside working out.

Honestly I don't generally 'run' anyways unless it's on an elliptical... but if you have gym access, you are more likely to encounter supportive people at the gym than if you just work out outside... I've never had anyone be anything but encouraging at the gym while I'm obviously out of shape, but trying to get in shape... particularly if you go early morning or late night... Right after work you run int the jerks more... or running outside... some people will always be douche nozzles even to people who are thin and in shape.

Best of luck!

georgie304

When I see someone out running, walking, whatever... I think... WAY TO GO! Doesn't matter their size or gender. I'm just happy for them.

Bottom line, don't feel shy about it. You are doing something awesome for yourself and maybe even inspiring others.

I have a different "online community" I am in and I started a completely off topic thread entitled: Recommit to be Fit... Ya know what... There ended up being hundreds of people joining me and I started getting flooded with thank you's and their success stories. I was shocked! I had no idea that my own weight loss journey would impact so many people. I have like 5 people now that have started running 5Ks and marathons... I have people countless people that have lost over 50 lbs and several that are over 100. You never nkow what might touch someone else. Do it and be proud!

splitdog79

Lol Well I'm glad I'm not alone in this! I'm really not anymore, but when I was first starting out I certainly was.

The thing is that everyone, even perfect strangers, has been wonderful and supportive. It gets weird sometimes because people come up and ask me if I've had surgery or have cancer or stuff liked that and it gets pretty awkward. You just gotta laugh it off and not let it stop you.

Now, I'm not a member of a gym but I listen to a podcast where one of the dudes is a weightlifter and he addressed this subject by saying that the gym is the last place you should worry about people judging your body because everyone there is too busy judging and obsessing over their own bodies :P

skinnybitchbarbie27

To me the embarassment of myself misstepping in a dance class is more than the embarassment of being the "fat girl" in town.

courtneylee31

I didnt read all the posts here, but.. Im embarrassed to jog on the treadmill at the gym. I can do the track no problem. But I dont want to get on that treadmill and hear it maybe squeak as I jog. Im a heavier set girl and I dont want people to think "O look at the fat chick running/jiggling on the treadmill" .. I know its all in my head, but I know how you feel

cubsgirlinny

It's not just you. I'm embarrassed to be the fat girl at the gym, the chubby girl jogging on the side of the road, etc. BUT, I'm more embarrassed to be the woman displeased with her own reflection. I hope that people who know me will encourage and be supportive of the changes I am in the process of making. If they love you, they will.

bbhe

Always try to imagine people saying, "wow, that guy/girl is so impressive. I'm just in awe of her/him. There they go again! I wish I were more like him/her."

Because someone is bound to be saying it about you if they're saying anything.

Jpinpoint

I have zero fear of being seen. Gym or outdoors.

I have the most epic, vomit on myself fear of getting on the scale at the gym. So I don't do that. If I look at the scale and think, "I can do it" I feel panic;

Generally speaking, the people who would think to make a comment on your workout are those who need to workout. Anyone who has worked out and lost weight will find pride in your wanting to get fit and healthy.

If the criticizer was constructive, maybe someone who works as a trainer was giving you tips on how to change your workout/run/walk to help you, then that is good.

If someone is being malicious about it, well there you go. They have just given you motivation.

You do this for YOU. Do it for YOU. No others.

natreeber

You are not alone. I think its hard to have people see you trying to change. Stick with it and use it as motivation. If half the town notices you trying make sure the whole town notices you succeeding.

Yaya1976

Please excuse my french, but ****'em. You can't NOT work out just because other people might see you. One of the things I LOVE about the gym is watching other people work out and really get into it. It totally motivates me.